La Jolla

Come to La Jolla for a true Southern Californian “Endless Summer” weekend. La Jolla is a dressed up surf town with great beaches and panoramic views from the town center which is located on cliffs high above the Pacific. We first came here years ago on a sister bonding trip and learned to surf at the Surf Diva Surf Camp. We love being in the ocean all day (that is teeming with friendly sea life) and then getting dressed up for cocktails at La Valencia Hotel, one of the poshest hotels in town, followed by dinner at George’s on the Cove or the Crab Catcher. We’ve stayed at most of the hotels in town and our favorite is the Grande Colonial with its refined beachy rooms showcasing stunning views.

WHAT TO PACK

La Jolla is a true So-Cal town with relaxed beach wear for day and dressier at night.
Bathing suits
Board shorts/cover ups
Flip flops
Little dresses, jeans and cute tops for night
Heels for night

EAT

BREAKFAST

The Cottage
7702 Fay Ave.
Tel: 858 454 8409
www.cottagelajolla.com

A charming yellow beach bungalow that serves “famous” French toast.

LUNCH

La Jolla Cheese Shop
22165 Avenida de la Playa
Tel: 858-459-3921
www.cheeseshoplajolla.com

A good spot to pick up sandwiches for the beach. They also have a ridiculous candy selection.

DINNER

Crab Catcher
1298 Prospect St. #3A
Tel: 858 454 9587
www.crabcatcher.com

A cozy dining room or courtyard with decadent food every step of the way.

George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
Tel: 858 454 4244
www.georgesathecove.com

We love having dinner on the rooftop terrace with views of La Jolla. California cuisine.

Marine Room
2000 Spindrift drive
Tel: 858 458 7222
Res: 856 644 2351
www.marineroom.com

Our Dad brought us to dinner here and we sat in the very same booth he had sat in with his parents thirty or so years before. The Marine Room feels old school in a good way.

DRINK

Jack’s La Jolla
7863 Girard Ave
Tel: 858 456-8111
www.jackslajolla.com

Definitely the biggest after dinner scene in La Jolla, but can get a bit cheesy. Good for dancing with a group.

Jose’s Courtroom
1037 Prospect Street
Tel: 858 454 7655
www.joses.com

Fun dive bar for a nightcap or beer with the cute, young local surfers.

STAY

Grande Colonial
910 Prospect Street
Tel: 858 454 2181
Res: 888 530 5766
www.thegrandecolonial.com

The Grande Colonial was the first hotel in La Jolla, opening its doors in 1913. You feel the history of the place in the refined beach style of the rooms and lobby. Request an ocean view room in the main building. Our favorite place to stay in La Jolla.

La Valencia
1132 Prospect Street
Tel: 858 454 0771
www.lavalencia.com

La Valencia is the most recognizable building in town – its elegant pink, Mediterranean inspired façade has been welcoming guests since 1926. Their lobby bar and terrace are the perfect place to have sunset cocktail in old school grandeur. If staying the night, request an ocean view in the main building as the new tower is a disappointment.

SURF AND SAND

Surf Diva Surf School
2160 Avenida de la Playa
Tel: 858 454-8273
www.surfdiva.com

Upbeat and patient surf instruction run by two sisters. We are graduates of Level Two!

Wind’n’sea Beach
6800 Neptune Place

Just south of town, Wind’n’sea is a narrow but beautiful little slice of beach with an advanced surf break. No facilities.

Scripps Beach
8600 Block La Jolla Shores Drive

The most visited and popular (sometimes crowded) beach in La Jolla, this is where the waves gently roll in, so it is a great beach to learn to surf. Facilities.

SPA

The Gaia Day Spa
1299 Prospect Street
Tel: 858 456 8797
www.gaiadayspa.com

The signature Banya treatment is relaxing and energizing all at once.